0 The latest update on Ms Jaya Varma’s two-day visit to Southern Railways evaluating a few ongoing railway redevelopment projects TEXT: B. GUGANESAN, CHIEF PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER, SOUTHERN RAILWAYS Embarking on a two-day visit to Southern Railway, Ms. Jaya Varma Sinha, Chairperson & CEO of Railway Board, is overseeing a thorough evaluation of ongoing infrastructure and station redevelopment projects. On February 20, 2024, Ms. Jaya Varma Sinha commenced her visit in Madurai, engaging in a specialised window trailing inspection via a special train from Madurai to Mandapam. Accompanying her were key figures such as Shri Alok Kumar Mishra, Executive Director (Mechanical, Transportation), Railway Board, Shri R.N. Singh, General Manager, Southern Railway, Shri Amit Kumar Manuwal, Chief Administrative Officer, Construction Organisation, Chennai Egmore, Shri N. Sreekumar, Principal Chief Operating Manager, Shri Desh Ratan Gupta, Principal Chief Engineer, along with other officers and staff of Southern Railway. Inspection of Pamban Bridge & Dhanushkodi: The Railway Board Chairperson & CEO inspected the upcoming Pamban Bridge structure and held a brief meeting with Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) officials and held discussions on the status of the new bridge construction works. Shri Pradeep Gaur, Chairman and Managing Director, Rail Vikas Nigam Limited, New Delhi, Shri.B.N.Singh, Principal Executive Director, Rail Vikas Nigam Limited, New Delhi and Shri B.Kamalakara Reddy, Chief Project Manager, Rail Vikas Nigam Limited, Chennai participated in the review meeting. The Chairperson & CEO emphasised safety and sustainability in bridge construction which is crucial for ensuring uninterrupted connectivity. Following this, the inspection of Dhanushkodi was done with focus on the scope of Rameswaram – Dhanushkodi New line project. Inspection of Rameswaram & Madurai Station Redevelopment works: Later, the Chairperson conducted inspection of Rameswaram station redevelopment works and offered suggestions for improvement. On arrival at Madurai, Ms. Jaya Varma Sinha conducted a comprehensive review of Madurai Junction redevelopment works and exhorted the officials for time bound completion of the project. ░

0 A sneak peek into the recently concluded 68th Railway Week Celebrations of Southern Railways TEXT: B. GUGANESAN, CHIEF PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER, SOUTHERN RAILWAYS Inaugurating the 68th Railway Week Celebrations of Southern Railway, the prestigious ‘Vishisht Rail Seva Puraskar 2023’ Award distribution ceremony took place at Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Arangam, ICF, Chennai on the 9th of February 2024. At the event, Shri R.N. Singh, General Manager of Southern Railway, served as the Chief Guest and presented Shields to various Divisions/Departments/Workshops. Additionally, individual Awards were bestowed upon officers and staff in recognition of their exceptional performance. In his address, Shri R.N. Singh extended congratulations to the awardees, acknowledging their substantial contributions to the growth and efficiency of Railways. He praised the divisions and workshops for their commendable performance and emphasised Southern Railway’s achievements as a frontrunner in project commissioning, infrastructure enhancement, sectional speed increment, modern coach introduction, and overall improvement in passenger amenities and onboard services. A three-minute video showcasing Southern Railway’s achievements during the 2022-23 period was presented during the ceremony. Shri Kaushal Kishore, Additional General Manager, Southern Railway, Shri Harikrishnan, Principal Chief Personnel Officer, other Principal Heads of Departments, Divisional Railway Managers, and Officers and Staff of Southern Railway actively participated in the function. The event also featured a cultural program, including classical dances and music performed by staff and their wards. Efficiency Shields and Individual Awards were distributed, with Chennai Division securing the General Manager’s Inter Divisional Overall Efficiency Shield, and Tiruchchirappalli Division clinching the Runners-up Shield. A total of 38 Efficiency Shields were awarded for outstanding performance in various railway working areas, while 17 Officers and 82 staff members were honoured with ‘Individual Awards’ for their meritorious contributions. General Manager’s Speech at the 68th Railway Week Celebrations – Vishist Rail Sewa Puraskar Award Dear Colleague officers, Supervisors and staff, Representatives of recognized Trade Union & Associations, Ladies & Gentlemen, I feel really happy and elated to be amongst you on this happy occasion of 68th Railway Week celebrations. As you all know, on 16th April in the year 1853, the first train ran in the Indian Subcontinent, signifying the birth of great Indian Railways, and we celebrate this event in a grand manner every year to mark the occasion. First of all, I congratulate all the awardees here, who have been chosen for making significant contributions to the growth and efficiency of the Railway in its efforts to serve the public. I also congratulate the divisions who have bagged various shields based on their performance. However, it does not mean that those who are not getting awards are any less. I congratulate all our hardworking & dedicated employees, without whose hard work & dedication, Railway could not have performed so well. I am happy to inform that during the year 2022-23 and 2023-24 (upto Jan.), Southern Railway has done very well in the area of commissioning of projects, upgrading the infrastructure, increasing the sectional speed, Introduction of new trains, augmenting coaches, Introduction of modern coaches, Increasing platform length, Improving passenger amenities and onboard services throughout the Southern Railway. These measures have helped us enhance our image in the minds of the public. All our achievements could be possible only due to the hard work and dedication of all our officers, supervisors and staff. Also these achievements would not have been possible without the whole hearted support of our Recognised Union and Associations. On this momentous occasion, I express my sincere thanks to all officers, supervisors, staff of Southern Railway and, I am sure that Southern Railway shall scale even greater heights of excellence in the years to come. Once again, I congratulate one and all and wish all the very best to all our employees for future endeavours and growth. Thank you.pen_sparktunesharemore_vert